Ontario-based 3D printing company Tiko3D has launched its Kickstarter campaign just in time for many of us who have nearly lost hope that an affordable, well-working 3D printer could exist. The past couple of years has been flooded with $99 dollar printers here and $99 printers there, yet many of them we never heard from again. This is usually because building a “cheap” 3D printer isn't as simple as using cheap design components. A tactic like that will cause breakdowns, burnouts, and user complaints. Under-$200-and-good is possible, actually, because Tiko3D's Delta-style 3D printer relies on multiple cost-saving design choices, like a unibody frame that virtually eliminates the calibration process.

Starting with its unibody design, Tiko3D works by using pre-aligned beams on the inside of its frame, rather than traditional 3D printers, which rely on multiple beams that require regular aligning to ensure adequate performance. These multiple beams are part of whats to blame for making a 3D printer cost so much. Tiko3D keeps its alignment, taking the worry of calibrating away. It's accuracy is down to 50 microns, it prints volumes of 138.3 cubic inches, and at a maximum nozzle temp of 250 Celsius. Other cost-cutters involve a “low-part-count delta (parallel arm) mechanism”, a liquefier for extruding the PLA without the need of expensive fans, the lack of an insulating barrel thanks to a small heat-insulating nozzle, as well as custom electronics made by the company (Gizmag).

Tiko3D measures 15.4 x 8.7 x 9.3 inches, weighs just 3.7 pounds, is compatible with PLA, ABS, Nylon, HIPs, as well as other filaments, and works with browser/cloud-based software. Prices will be set at $179, however Tiko3D's Kickstarter campaign is offering early bird backers a discounted rate of $99.